Added: 4 years ago
From: bigmanio
Views: 298,196
Sort by time | Sort by thread (beta)

Link to this comment:

Share to:
see all

All Comments (218)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • I meant to say but also lol

  • Well im not gonna sat my age nut i am under 30 and this song and other music like it is pure poetry this song is so poetic

  • I'm really curious to know if anyone under 30 appreciates this kind of music any more ... or am I just getting really really old?

  • One of the best songs ever

  • Thank you for sharing this great music. I love listening to and singing this song.

  • Great song and lyrics

  • L"inspiration, le talent et l'émotion à l'état pur... J'ai découvert il y a quelques années cette chanson par la magnifique et très délicate interprétation de Joe Dassin, en anglais comme l'original que j'ai cherché et trouvé dans une médiathèque. Peu d'artistes qui ont repris cette chanson restituent l'âme de cette complainte dans toute sa sensibilité et la simplicité des mots déchirants d'une supplique à l'être aimé qui part, les mauvaises herbes ayant grandi au sein de l'amour qui s'en va...

  • My parents and girlfriend greeted me at Los Angeles airport when I came back from Vietnam in 1969........This was the first song I heard on the drive home...It still brings tears to eyes everytime I hear it....Takes me back to another time and anothe place......

  • A fine song

  • I heard this song for the first time tonight and fell in love with it

  • Don't hear them like this anymore. Classic, brilliant, and mesmerizing!

    I'll take a pure performance like this any day.

  • 9 people have no soul...

  • I have heard and sang this song years ago when the Seekers did it, never knew who wrote it until now, this is special!

  • que lento, pero es bueno

  • @estoycondosidiotas

    Si. I think.

  • The Move do an amazing cover of this song. You should check it out. I dare say it reinvents the original and leaves it in the dust. No disrespect to Tom Paxton...after all...he wrote it....

  • @burf69 You are entitled to your opinion, but I still prefer the original. Thank you for the suggestion, however.

  • Feels like heading to Colorado on top of the mountain witnessing the sunset..after listening to this..beautiful voice..

  • one of first LP's my Dad bought for the family "stereogram" back in the 60's. I loved Tom Paxton including his political songs.

  • How could 8 people not like this? Lady Gaga fans who accidentally landed here I guess...

  • @babbchuck

    I was looking at the audience, quietly sitting and listening. Yep. Those days are long gone. No too cerebral an audience out there anymore.

  • This reminds me of my childhood, it is lovely....he has such a beautiful voice.

  • This reminds me of my childhood, it is lovely....

  • . . . and I'm the one that left him. And it hurt as much for me as it did for him.

  • Nothing like hearing a song sung by the songwriter....went back and listened to some of the covers....not even close!!!

  • Met Tom in1965-66 at Dundee University. The spinners from liverpool on same bill.Blew us all away. Still does.Really nice guy.

  • The sad thing is that I have a feeling he would be laughed at if he were in front of simon cowell.

  • I discovered Tom Paxton almost by chance , looking for a record by Woody Guthrie . He becames one of my favorites artists , both for how he sings , he plays the guitar and because the lyrics are true funny and political . Here in France he is not well knowned , although he stays one the greatest folk singer .

  • Just listen to that D28 sing.....

  • they had mdma back then?!

  • Look I hate to say this but The Last Thing On My Mind was made so much better but THE MOVE. It's a lesson that is hard to learn . Sure this is a great song .. better than a studio version I once heard and Tom's voice is just better and guitar playing is better. The Move did something unbelievable with this song .. Sure don't go if you don't like a wild orchestration and go with an open-mind. Very few songs are done better by other artists but this one you just got to hear ... all of it.

  • ....great...you look SOOOOOO young...hahahaha...x..

  • Well done Mr. Paxton.

  • Is it me, or is that "The Leaving of Liverpool"? 

  • This song is perfect. Many dreams. Very pertinent. There were concepts of expressed regret, not multi-staged. No affectation. Sung before audience without special effects. Thanks vm original poster for this B&W clip. Very much appreciated.

    redoler

  • Saw him around then with my father at Carnegie Hall. Just my dad and I. One of the great memories of my childhood. Thanks for posting this.

  • I discovered Tom from an website about hair o.o ..and i got hooked ! I am very young but I enjoy this music very much

  • @toryroseiii and the very young are needed to keep good songs alive, to keep them from disappearing into time

  • in the quite inebriated moments of self loathing that i have found myself many times,i reflect on the women i have lost and the reasons why i lost them, and i find this record precedes the tears,and i wish i could go back and right the wrongs , in my life i love you more.

  • @2guntex All you need love is yourself comrade. Monogamy is a myth for we cannot betray our biology. If it was any other way, it would indeed be that way. You are not alone in the struggle.

  • An (almost) unmarked genius. One of the greats!

  • One of the great song writers of our time ! Thanks Tom for all the wonderful songs !

  • Incredibly beautiful song! Great performance!

  • "It's very nice to be back in England again" - now what was that song he wrote,

    "I keep walking through this cold hard town . . .

    If I could beg steal or borrow

    A ticket on some ship or plane

    I'd be leaving London tomorrow."

  • nice song and lyric

  • Such a beautiful song. Happy birthday, Tom - 73 today!

  • right from the heart,i so much love this song.

  • This song has always found its way right into my heart, and I really like this. soft and gentle version!

  • i am 61 yrs old and always loved this song but as they say you learn something new everyday and i never knew tom paxton wrote it ,,great song and beautifully played,,

  • I discovered this guy by typing my own name into Youtube, and I'm glad I did!

  • Her name was Judy and she left me after three years way back in 1967. Hearing this song made me feel the sting from so long ago. I'm happily married for 42 years with 2 adult daughters. Sometimes the past just reaches out and grabs you.

  • @rgsrobertg

    I dare bet your thoughts ring true in many many others, one cannot run away from one's memories

  • Thank you sooo much for doing all the work it must have taken to put this on here!

  • This is a tune that stays in your mind for hours. That I could sing and play like this! The "old" performers could teach the younger generation a few things about making beautiful sounding music without electronic crutches, but rather with the pure talent given by the Creator and hard work. I feel gifted that I can appreciate a simple acoustical melody like this. I hope we have not lost that in this culture.

  • He is still going you know, he comes to Worcester every year and I've never made it yet because he sells out in the wink of an eye.....

  • If only the artists of today were so humble and unassuming. Wonderful.

    It's also a shame that there are no showcases with simple production values such as this anymore. The perfect antithesis to X-Factor's empty grandeur.

  • @youngkeiffy Absolutely brilliant comment youngkeiffy 

  • If only the artists of today were so humble and unassuming. Wonderful.

  • I saw Tom at the Norwich Theatre Royal, and he was awesome,such a lovely kind generous nature. We all sang together, the whole audience, all knowing the words for over 40 years. He then stayed on after the show to chat and sign his book 'The Marvelous Toy'. He is a real joy. Thank you Tom for a memorable evening. Many more please!

  • 6 people accidently confused dislike and like

  • This song is an absolute classic, one of the best ever .

  • I love this song and this man is great.

  • Saw Tom live for the first time in '67 at the Music Hall in Aberdeen, Scotland when I was 18 (or so) and was blown away by both his singing voice, his songs and his fingerpicking style - something I'd never seen before. The concert was electrifying - you could have heard a pin drop... totally agree with previous posts... a very gifted man.

  • Very, very nice...

  • Awesome ! 

  • In the wink of an eye my soul is turning in your hand... Goodness, what a line! What a singer! What a songwriter! I lower my head. It's a blessing this song. Thanks.

  • I cannot find Tom's song...I will love you...covered by The Fureys...

  • This son is from everyone's heart.

  • Tom is one of the all time greats along with Pete Seeger, Woodie Guthrie and Joan Collins. We are privileged to live in their era.

  • Probably the greatest song ever written and performed. Period! LEN in VT

  • Excellent lyrics and perfect picking...

  • @sidensvans67 Kirk Hammet kicks this guys ass any day....

  • @ollecarlsson Why did you feel the need to share your opinion of that comparison, to try to put down someone so much more accomplished than you'll ever be?

  • @Gyrkin59 I was kiddin, dear god, comparing kirk with this, hello, an btw what the hell does accomplishment have to do with anything of taste of whats good or not....

  • @ollecarlsson You came off as one of those Internet/Armchair experts who tries to put something or someone else down in some odd attempt to somehow elevate himself by doing so. Someone else felt the need to be critical just below this. Enough already. Some respect, ya know?

  • I am learning this with a few other songs for my guitar class. I like alot of the folk scare stuff, but not this. The guitar is ok...but the lyrical content, tempo and the singing of the song just fall completely flat for me.

  • @nineveh420 Try owning the song, then. There's NOTHING wrong with the tune itself.

  • @Gyrkin59 I don't think ownership is the problem. ;) j/k As you stated there is nothing wrong with the song, however I can't find anything right about it either. Don't take this the wrong way but I find it's hard to stay awake playing this song. it really needs something...

  • @nineveh420 You see Lee DeWyze do Hallelujah? Same concept. The song's pretty, but not aways sensible, and with the wrong person, you could be crooned to a slow death. But DeWyze took it, OWNED it, and kicked major ass.

    It's like "Writer's Block" (which I now know to be a myth.) The key is all in our perspective. I suppose it's possible that you've not experienced a relationship that would allow you to identify with the song (yet)... but putting yourself in that position would help. Peace.

  • @Gyrkin59 I agree. It is impossible to really get into a song you don't identify with lyrically or musically. 3 marriges and a few gf's down the road and most of the sentiments expressed in that song were the last things on my mind.

    I checked out Lee D, not my speed at all, too dramatic for my taste. Thanks for the tip though. Singers just don't do it for me.

  • @Gyrkin59 CONT'D

    both the songs we have talked about fall into a similar trap for me. Like "dust in the wind" for example. Nice ideas but the overdramtic high schol poetry in a pop song just kills it.  I mean really all we are is dust in the wind? If that's how you feel why get out of bed? I do like the guitar in that one though :)

  • is tom still liveing,because someone told me he was dead??????????????

  • @margatelad I saw Tom in concert a few years ago. I haven't heard anything about his death. Let's assume he's above ground and doing well.

  • @margatelad

    According to wiki hes thankfully still alive8th june 2010 and long may he stay that way!!! For your info - Birth name-Thomas Richard Paxton, Born October 31, 1937 (1937-10-31) (age 72) Chicago, Illinois,Genres-Folk

  • @margatelad still kickin!!

  • I hope Tom stops by here once in a while, just to see how many cover this great song.

    Thank you!

  • Brilliant? I think it's beyond that. I saw Tom in concert a few years ago and he's still the best. And leaving you a message was "the last thing on my mind" Smile.

  • I've commented below on how I came to hear this song first live, and discovered Tom at the same time. I have almost every vinyl album and CD that Tom has produced, so I have endless live and studio versions to listen to. None of them beat this for its sheer beauty. It is my great stress reliever after a hard day at work. I close my eyes, let the music and lyrics flow over me afew times over, and I'm a happy and contented human being once again.

  • @Davenportdave52

    A well formulated comment! God bless!

    John

  • @Davenportdave52 There is something magical about this tune, and Tom Paxton's performance. A genuine work of art, this song. Why does this song just jump out at you, when the rest of his work is somewhat mediocre? He is a wonderful singer-songwriter, but he certainly put it all together in this one! Even Doc Watson can't beat Tom's delivery on this song!

  • Is this the same "tam paxton" that used to sing childrens songs ? 5*s

  • Tom (rather than tam) has produced quite a number of children's songs and CD compilations, so he is probably the one you are thinking of.

  • @weeguy2010 Yes - "Jennifer's Rabbit", "Marvellous Toy" and a number of others, all brilliant observations and memorably sung. (and I guess "tam" was a misprint for "tom" !;-) )

  • @weeguy2010: I think there is only one Tom Paxton.

  • my all time favourite! have known his music since in my mummy's tum and now i teach my singers his music and they love it!

    such a sad song but so beautifully sung. always think about the words (must say that i have TP's song book and there are extra verses!!!)

  • A lovely song, thanks for the posting

  • His voice is truly amaizing!. 1 of my top 5 most beloved songs PERIOD.

    I hope this version can be found somewhere. The spotify version aint half as good as this one.

    Gogo Tom!

  • I first heard Tom Paxton sing this song, in what I think was his first British Tour,at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool,in about 1963. I have loved it ever since.

  • So sincere, so meaningful. If you have someone good please look after her always.

  • For sure!

  • bigmanio:

    CDm

    eceptional footage and sound trax.

    A verya talent young man with a great talent. Love this alot

    all stars

    cheers love and light to all forever.

    time well spent

    CDm

    M

  • Love this - Thank you !!!

  • What a Beautiful Song!!! 5*s Thankyou....Anita..

  • It's been a long time since I heard this song and I don't really know who Tom Paxton is, but I love his version!!

  • he wrote it!

  • Good. I like Tony Rice doing it.

  • Nice, but Jose Feliciano's version is best.

  • I like the Kentucky Colonels version too.

  • I'm japanese.

    I listened this song on japanese radio at today's morning.

    How beautiful song!

    Many Japnese artists play this song in japanese.

  • It is very interesting to listen to the interpretations of this song by various artists over the years.

    I think the best solo version remains Tom Paxton's even after all these years.

    The best version other than Tom Paxton's is the by The Seekers. The Seekers' version is true to the sentiment expressed in Paxton's, and is superbly performed with the incredible instrumentals and harmonies the Seekers are still renowned for.

  • This song was written by Tom Paxton. I think it's one of the most beautiful folk songs of that period. Great performer, songwriter, and singer.

  • I didn't know this version til recently...I had always heard the Porter Wagoner/Dolly Porton version...I love this...Its so beautiful.

  • Have seen Tom a few times, wonderful performer in person. First heard this song by Judy Collins ...

  • Haven't heard this in years...brilliant!evokes the years of my youth,lol

  • Just saw him perform this last night along with Peter Yarrow and they dedicated it to Mary Travers. Wonderful

    and sad to hear. But still one of my favorite songs. Thank you Mr. Paxton and Mr. Yarrow.

    Rest in Peace, Mary the Beautiful.

  • What a gorgeous voice... so under-rated.. Tom!

    Sophia.

  • Ha !

  • Anja is the last thing on my mind!!

    I ever think of her...

    Wishin' her all the best!

    You're the last thing on my mind!

  • i like the Kentucky Colonels version off "Live in Sweden"

  • saw him in 1967 in chicago and it was a moving experience believe me.

  • Good, but LOVE the Move version; some of the greatest Carl Wayne EVER!  yeah

  • Good song and nice picking.

    And the glassy-eyed zombie look is pretty cool, too.

  • goosebump song for me

  • this is one strong song, it hits the pit of by belly every time i lisn to it.

    thom.

  • Great song, Jose Feliciano has (IMHO) the best version of this, from his "Light My Fire' album. Such a great song so many interpretations by so many talented artists. Dolly Parton and Porter Wagner have a great duet version of this also.

  • I agree with you about the Jose Feliciano version!

  • Great track, always great to hear the orignials, check out my upload of The Moves version, it's very different, but still great

  • It's just that I remember different versions-the original is not always  the best.

  • Doc Watson does a nice version of this one. Nice to get it from the original source though!

  • LOL its the original how it should be played you nit

  • christ, that was beautiful

  • One of the best songs I've heard. Phil Everly's version is also excellent.

  • I first discovered Tom and this song in 1965 while a grad student at Northwestern. My love for his work stems from his seemingly effortless chord progressions, his great voice, and his gentle spirit. This hasn't changed in 44 years! Long may he wave!

  • Comment removed

  • I can't get through this without breaking down.....

    For Kathleen F. Bisberg.... 1949 -2007

    I was with her for 29 years 7 months....

    Jesse

  • God bless her and you Jesse.

  • Comment removed

  • So Beautiful

  • For you My lovely..My kitten. my Gypsy.

  • Oooh. I like this. I don't really know who he is, but I like him.

  • Can a song get any better than this? And let's not overlook Tom's very nice guitar work.

  • The last thing on my mind is a good song but you should hear it done up orchestrated and loud by THE MOVE,. Fantastic, I don't mean to be unkind to Tom but the Move made a nice song into a great song.

  • but look at the 'flop sweat', he was sooo nervous

  • great voice and songwriter

  • I first saw Tom live in 1971 at university in Sheffield. I'd never heard of him but a friend persuaded me to go with her as she really rated him. 'The Last Thing on my Mind' was the first song he sung and after ten seconds I was hooked. Its a beautifully crafted song about a lost love, something we have all experienced, but not an experience any of us could express like Tom does. I've seen Tom live many times since, but this video brings back that special time when I first discovered him.

  • Hi ElvenDane. Isn't this just beautiful - even though the guitar sound just a tiny bit off tune. Wonder if our mutual idol RMcT will be coming to Denmark again soon..... see you there....

  • There have been so many covers. It's tribute to Tom and to his writing. Mary Hopkin has a beautiful version on her "Recollections" album. I can listen to this all day long, and then tomorrow too.

  • Buy the Album "Storyteller"

    And Roy harpers "Stormcock"

    Great start to fantastic collection..

    Eric san.........Love you all

  • Wow- I previously had only heard the Tony Rice version from his record "Church Street Blues," which is terrific as well. But this- WOW- That's the kind of folk transparency and honesty that is so beautiful and so frightening at the same time. As my mother once said of another great songwriter, Greg Brown, he's committed to tape the things most of us won't even admit to ourselves.

    Beautiful. Thanks.

  • Just lovely.....

    Perfect

  • The best

  • This is GREAT!!

    I had seen Tom Paxton many time at the Blue Dog Cellar coffee house in Baltimore, back in the mid 60's. The memories this song brings back are priceless.

    Thanks so much for posting this.

  • This is one of my favourite songs of all time. I have been trying to get the Nana Mouskouri version. Any of you guys out there got it? Here's hoping.

  • I recently bought the Chris de Burgh album Footsteps and heard this song again, which I hadn't heard for years. So, thanks to Youtube, I could listen to the composer's own version - which is still the best of them all. Have his autograph, though unfortunately never met him in person... Beautiful song!

  • Hello SAF - long time, no see :-)

  • I have heard numerous different versions of this song since I first saw Tom sing it in London back in the early sixties. Most versions have been excellent but for me the song is his and always will be.

  • Excellent ! Judy Collins' version is wonderful, too !

    Great thanks !

  • Wonderful song. Check out the version performed by John Denver. Beautiful!

  • I had the pleasure of meeting Tom the last time he was in England. He truly is one of nature's gentlemen. I will be going to see him again in 3 weeks time at the Opera House in Buxton.

  • The 60's British band The Move did a fantastic version of this song on the album 'SHAZAM'.

  • This man is one of my heroes, I have so much respect for him.

  • Great song. Check out Neil Diamond's version. Diamond's interpretation and his vocal delivery is awesome!

  • I second that emotion. Diamond also did a great version of I Think It's Going To Rain Today on the same LP about 1974

  • Excellent song, great rendition by Jose Feliciano, too

  • Just out of interest, which came first - this or "Don't think twice, it's alright"?

  • it like this song was written for me. thank you tom paxton ,

  • This is lovely but I was looking for 'When Princes Meet'! Anyone else remember that?

  • I am a communist ! From Sweden !!!!

  • I'm a leftist from Ohio - whooopppeee - but I can eat lasagna with my right hand if pressed.

    (did I miss something here?....any Baptists from Sweden want to ring in on this lively public cork board?

    And Mr. Paxton brought a lot of simple pleasure to me in the 60's w/his easy voice.

  • Wow, that's so beautiful

  • really beautiful! always tell everyone we love them daily...

  • That is a velvet voice if I ever heard one.

  • Wow - reliving the 60's here and all the times I saw Tom in little rooms all over London. Made my eyes well up - very emotional. Many thanks for this

  • Anyone Jose Feliciano's cover?

  • once you have heard Feliciano you will not want to hear any other version